Raised Garden Bed Soil

Choosing Soil for Raised Garden Beds

A suitable raised garden soil should hold moisture while allowing excess water to drain and air to reach plant roots. Choose your mix according to what you are growing and whether the bed sits directly on the ground or has an enclosed base.

• For raised beds and large outdoor planters: Searles Pots, Tubs & Raised Beds Specialty Mix is formulated for these growing conditions, with controlled-release fertiliser and ingredients that help manage moisture.
• For organic vegetable and herb growing: ANL Certified Organic Vegetable & Herb Mix is suitable for edible crops in raised garden beds and containers.
• For planting or refreshing garden beds: Martins Premium Planting Compost can be planted directly into or mixed with existing soil, following the product directions.

Raised Garden Bed Soil FAQs

What is the best soil for raised garden beds?

The best soil for raised garden beds depends on the plants, drainage and bed design. A prepared raised bed mix is a convenient option, while vegetable and herb mixes suit edible gardens. Look for a product labelled for your intended use, with suitable drainage, moisture retention and nutrition.

How much soil do I need for a raised garden bed?

Measure the internal length, width and the depth you need to fill. Multiply these measurements in metres, then multiply by 1,000 to calculate the volume in litres.

Length × width × fill depth × 1,000 = litres required.

For example, a bed measuring 2 metres long by 1 metre wide with a 30 cm fill depth needs approximately 600 litres, equivalent to 20 bags of 30 litres before allowing for settling. Use the actual depth being filled and leave room for watering and mulch.

Can I use potting mix in a raised garden bed?

Yes, when the product is suitable for raised beds. Searles Pots, Tubs & Raised Beds Specialty Mix is one example. Check the stated uses rather than assuming every potting mix suits every garden bed. Beds with an enclosed base also need suitable drainage outlets.

Do I need to add compost to raised bed soil?

Not necessarily. Prepared planting mixes may already contain composted materials and fertiliser. Follow the product directions before adding more. Martins Premium Planting Compost is formulated for direct planting as well as soil improvement; other compost products may be intended primarily for mixing into existing soil.

Explore our wider garden soil range, browse vegetable potting mix for pots and containers, or find compost for improving existing beds.

Always read and follow the instructions on the product packaging and/or seek expert advice before use, and don’t depend on information on this page that may have errors or be outdated.